Evidence of God's Protection
Hey guys,
This last month definitely had its surreal moments but like many, we can consider and see how God's hand stayed sovereign, caring, and strong in protecting us. We had been talking about a restaurant nearby that sunk into the ground due to water pipes leaking and creating a large unseen crater that over the coarse of a month turned into a large sinkhole. It turns out that Guasave is in a crisis with its waterworks system as many of their pipes are cement that are broken and causing the dirt under and around to wash away creating craters that can give way to sink holes. They are slowly addressing them but that often includes water shut-offs that go on for a day or two.
Earlier in the month we were in our bedroom when Jasper came to show me a bug bite on her body. As she turned she mentioned she felt something fall on her. We looked up and noticed the paint was stretching and a few seconds after Ryan mentioned the ceiling was going to fall, it fell hard! Cement and all. Right where Jasper had been standing. God's grace was so evident as she was able to move out of harm's way, as well as the lamp that would have gotten slammed. The landlord is supposed to fix it, but we have learned here that very few things get fixed right away.
A few days later as I (Esther) was washing dishes after a late dinner, I saw large flames go up right in front and below our second story apartment...through the large windows of the clothing shops in front of the dentistry we live on top of...and hear the sound of the fire as though something had been drenched and lit. I anxiously called Ryan to come, and sure enough someone had lit the car that was parked in front of our home on fire! Fumbling and trying to put the hose together, we found a few people had already gathered with buckets to help put the fire out. Thankfully someone had a fire extinguisher and managed to put part of the fire out that was close to the gas tank. Though the firefighters are stationed down the same street, with some waterpipes being replaced and causing road closures, they had to take a couple detours and showed up by the time the fire had already been put out. We were grateful that even though we usually park where the car was, there was no parking available when we had gotten home and had parked farther down the street on the other side. It was heavy to witness the lack of interest of the police officers to find out who committed the crime as witnesses said it was a male on a bicycle and that the only media reporting the event ommitted that fact that it was arson. Still, even in the reckless behavior of others, God's sovereign care for us was well evident.
On a brighter note, our church celebrated Mexico's Independence Day together where we had a potluck, games, and time of prayer for Mexico. It was a blessing to fellowship, have fun together, and take time to pray for the leaders.
Sundays Ryan is teaching through the book of 1 John and Wednesdays he is in the book of Proverbs. Wednesday nights at times is a hodgepodge of activities in the cafe. I've included some photos and video to get a better glimpse of random/not random activities we have going on (aka: homeless man eating a meal and the kids hanging out, while I read through the chapter Ryan was teaching seperately with a couple of them.) Trusting the Lord to be the One establishing the work of our hands; we as laborers are few and the struggle is real.
Prayer requests this month:
We greatly appreciate your support financially and prayerwise as well. We know the Holy Spirit often leads his children into intercessary prayer that details the needs exactly. Here are the areas we greatly appreciate your support in prayer for:
God's continued hand of protection on us and our children
God's provision, favor, and direction in all our financial needs and decision-making
Not leaning on our own understanding but leaning on the Lord and allowing Him to fulfill His will through all the low and vulnerable moments
Church ministry and cafe; that our efforts and investment would bear lasting fruit
God's guidance for our children and their needs (in every way)
Thank you for being part of our journey here in Guasave, Sinaloa, and supporting us to run this race of faith!
God bless you,
The Van Deusens
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